Illinois Water Resources Center

Bringing watershed science to the people of Illinois

Research

We fund research throughout the state. Take a look at some of our recent projects.

Tropical Storm Precipitation

Tropical storms temporarily increase stream flow by an average of 866 percent, with larger surges in wet years.

Woody Perennial Polyculture

The country’s first savanna-based agriculture system captured 5-10 times more nitrate than corn and soybean in its second year.

Litter in Urban Streams

An estimated 21-78 metric tons of human debris is present in five Chicago-area watersheds at any time.

Initiatives

Groundwater and Geothermal Resources Seminar Series

Please join us on Friday, November 2, as the Illinois Water Resources Center, University of Illinois Extension hosts its first Seminar Series. The event is free, open to the public, and includes University of Illinois researchers as well as guests from around the world speaking on everything from ground temperature recovery times after heating tests in unsaturated Brazilian soils to how energy resilience enables U.S. military readiness. Discussions begin at 1pm in the Monsanto Studio of the ACES Library.

Refreshments provided.

Nutrient Loss Reduction

We work with agencies, communities, industry partners, and researchers to implement the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy and track phosphorus and nitrogen reductions.

Professional Engagement

Our memberships in national water-related organizations give Illinois researchers and students access to a wide array of workshops, conferences, fellowships, and grant programs.

Water Operator

Through a collaboration with state, regional, and federal partners, we oversee a web portal with free technical and training resources tailored to small community water and wastewater operators.

The Private Well Class

We partner with state, regional, and federal organizations to offer a web-based curriculum for well owners, realtors, and others interested in well care best practices.

UpClose

We co-produce an interview series that takes readers behind the scenes of the latest research on emerging contaminants.

News

Before The Flood

The Impacts of Climate Change – A Tour by Leonardo DiCaprio, Wednesday, November 14, 7:30 pm. Admission is free. Screening takes place at The Art Theater, 126 W. Church St., Champaign, and is sponsored by The Land Conservation Foundation, The Illinois Program in Law and Philosophy, and The Illinois Women and Gender in Global Perspectives Program.